For many parents, questions surrounding cannabis use and breastfeeding can be a source of concern. As cannabis becomes more accessible, understanding its implications for nursing infants is important. This topic requires accurate information to help parents make informed decisions.
How Cannabis Compounds Enter Breast Milk
When a mother uses cannabis, the active compound, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), quickly enters her bloodstream. THC is highly fat-soluble, meaning it dissolves in lipids, abundant in fatty tissues and breast milk. This allows THC to transfer from the mother’s blood into her milk.
The concentration of THC in breast milk can be higher than in the mother’s blood plasma. Studies show a milk-to-plasma ratio for THC of approximately 6:1 to 8:1, indicating breast milk can act as a reservoir. Once in the milk, THC can remain detectable for varying periods, from days to several weeks, depending on frequency and amount of use.
Detecting Cannabis Exposure in Infants
A baby can test positive for cannabis exposure if the mother breastfeeds. Detection methods look for THC and its metabolites, such as THC-COOH and 11-OH-THC, in infant samples. These tests can provide evidence of exposure, though they do not quantify the exact amount absorbed by the infant.
Urine tests are a common method, detecting these metabolites. However, infant urine tests can yield false-positive results due to other compounds. Meconium analysis, testing the newborn’s first stool, offers a longer detection window, identifying cannabis exposure during the last four to six months of gestation. While these tests confirm exposure, they do not indicate the level of exposure or its direct effects on the infant.
Understanding Potential Effects on Infants
Exposure to cannabis through breast milk can impact an infant’s development and behavior. Research suggests concerns regarding neurological development, as THC can interfere with nerve cell growth in the developing brain. This can lead to neurodevelopmental effects.
Infants exposed to cannabis through breast milk may exhibit altered sleep patterns, including decreased quiet sleep and increased motility. Studies have also observed signs of sedation, reduced muscle tone, and poor sucking ability in these infants. These feeding difficulties can lead to less milk intake and inadequate growth.
There is evidence suggesting delays in motor skill development. One study found that infants exposed to cannabis via breast milk had lower scores on motor development tests at one year. While ethical considerations limit direct research on human infants, existing evidence and known effects of cannabis on brain development lead medical organizations to advise against its use while breastfeeding.
Guidance for Breastfeeding Parents
Health organizations advise against cannabis use while breastfeeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that breastfeeding mothers abstain from cannabis products. This recommendation stems from the potential for harmful chemicals to pass through breast milk and unknown risks to infant development.
Parents who use cannabis should communicate with their healthcare providers, including their pediatrician and OB/GYN. These professionals can offer personalized advice and discuss risks and benefits based on individual circumstances. If a parent continues to use cannabis, temporary cessation of breastfeeding or considering formula feeding are options to prioritize infant safety. Secondhand cannabis smoke also poses risks to infants and should be avoided.